5 Job Hunting Mistakes to Avoid

When searching for a new job, there are a number of pitfalls that can totally derail your chances of landing that dream position.

In this blog, we’ll discuss some of the most common job hunting mistakes so that you can steer clear and boost your chances of getting hired.

 

 1) Not tailoring your CV and cover letter

Hiring managers are looking for applications that stand out. If you send the same generic CV and cover letter to every prospective employer, you will blend in with the crowd and lose out to candidates who display a clear and specific interest in the role that’s up for grabs.

Tailor your application to the job description, highlighting your relevant skills and experience so that you stand out as a serious candidate.

 

 2) Forgetting to clean up your social media

Poor social media hygiene is another common mistake many jobseekers make. Most hiring managers will at least do a quick Google search of your name, and some will carry out full screenings of all of your social media profiles (including Instagram, Facebook and Twitter). What will they find when they look for you?

Inappropriate photos and posts on social media can lead hiring managers to believe that you are unprofessional, seriously hurting your chances of securing a job.

Before applying for any roles, ensure that your social media presents you in a positive light, and remove anything that could be seen as unprofessional. For more advice on this topic, check out our blog post on How to Clean Up Your Social Media.  

 

 3) Failing to proofread your documents

Your CV and cover letter are the documents that represent you before you reach the interview stage. This means they need to be perfect and give the hiring manager no room for doubting your abilities.

If your documents contain errors, it will lead the hiring manager to doubt your attention to detail and your ability to produce a flawless and well-written document (an essential skill in most fields).

Be sure to proofread all documents and fix any spelling, punctuation or grammar mistakes. You can even ask a friend or family member to read through the document for you to catch any mistakes you may have missed. 

 

4)  Not researching the company

Before you apply to a job, it is important that you understand the company’s mission and values. If you arrive to an interview with no knowledge on the company and a lack of interest in the work they do, you are unlikely to connect with the interviewer and get considered for the role.

Make sure you research the company’s website and social media before your interview so that you have a good idea of their products and services – this will help you demonstrate your passion!

 

 5) Not following up

Failing to follow up after submitting an application or attending an interview can lead to you missing out on opportunities. By following up, you show your enthusiasm for the role and appreciation for the company, making you stand out from the competition.

It is recommended that you send a thank-you email within 24 hours of your interview, reiterating your interest in the role and thanking the interviewer for their time. If you have applied and not heard anything back after a couple of weeks, you should try to follow up on your application too.

 

By avoiding these 5 common job hunting mistakes, you should be on the right track to finding a job that aligns with your skills and career goals.

Be patient and stay persistent, and you should land the job of your dreams in no time!